Sear — Discover Austin

10 spots for your group

Not all restaurants are group-friendly. These are the Austin spots actually designed for it — places with the right space, the right menu format, and the right energy to make a group dinner or night out work without effort.

Uchi

South Lamar·$$$$·95 SearScore·Private room seats 12; main dining room handles 6-8 at a shared table

🎉Celebration

Why it works for groups

For groups that need to go big, Uchi is Austin's finest. The omakase-style sharing format means the whole table eats together, course by course. It's a group experience as much as a meal.

How to order

Do the chef's tasting for the whole group — everyone gets the same sequence, and it drives conversation. Add the wagyu and the foie gras course for special occasions.

Booking

Resy + dedicated private events team. Private room: reserve 3+ weeks out. Worth every step.

👥

Private room is essential for groups of 8+. Book it through the events team 2-3 weeks out. Be upfront about the occasion — they go above and beyond.

👥4–12 people🤝Shareable Menu📋Lg. Group Reservations🚪Private Room+1 more

Suerte

East Austin·$$$·92 SearScore·Groups of 6-8 comfortably; private room for up to 14

🫕Shared Plates

Why it works for groups

Suerte's masa-forward Mexican small plates are genuinely made for sharing — each dish is a conversation starter. Groups that love food will have a field day going course by course.

How to order

Do the tasting experience for the whole table. If à la carte, order 2-3 tostadas, the tlayuda, a pasta, and the main protein to share. Add mezcal cocktails for the table.

Booking

Resy reservations. Private room for 10-14: reserve 2+ weeks in advance, especially weekends.

👥

Mention it's a celebration when booking — they'll arrange something special. Ask about the private room for groups of 10+.

👥4–14 people🤝Shareable Menu📋Lg. Group Reservations🍹Full Bar+1 more

Loro

South Lamar·$$·90 SearScore·Picnic tables seat 6-10 easily; large outdoor area fits 20+

🪑Casual Hangout

Why it works for groups

Loro is the ultimate group spot in Austin. The giant communal outdoor area, smoked brisket buns and whole fish to share, and frozen cocktails make it effortless. Groups of 4 to 20 all feel comfortable here.

How to order

Order multiple smoked brisket buns, the whole fish, and a round of frozen cocktails. Family-style is the vibe — get two of everything.

Booking

Walk-in only. Large outdoor groups just show up — they'll accommodate.

👥

Arrive right at opening (11am or 5pm) to claim the big outdoor tables. They don't take reservations, but groups of 10+ can call ahead for semi-reserved outdoor spots.

👥4–20 people☀️Outdoor Space🤝Shareable Menu📢High Energy+2 more

Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum

East Austin·$$$·88 SearScore·Round tables seat 8-10; takes reservations for up to 15

🫕Shared Plates

Why it works for groups

Dim sum is the world's best group food format, and Lin is Austin's best version. Everyone gets to try everything — the dishes keep coming, the cocktails are excellent, and the energy is electric.

How to order

Order the full dim sum spread plus the Peking duck if celebrating. Add the spicy wontons and XLBs. One cocktail round per table, then switch to tea or sake.

Booking

Reservations on Resy. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend groups.

👥

Book the round table in the back for groups of 8+. It's perfect for dim sum service — lazy Susan included.

👥4–15 people🤝Shareable Menu🫙Family Style📋Lg. Group Reservations+2 more

Fonda San Miguel

North Loop·$$$·88 SearScore·Multiple large rooms; private events for up to 60

🎉Celebration

Why it works for groups

For milestone group dinners that need wow-factor, Fonda San Miguel's hacienda atmosphere and impeccable interior Mexican cuisine is unmatched in Austin. It's where Austinites have celebrated for 50 years.

How to order

Family-style mole, enchiladas suizas, and chiles en nogada when in season. Order the guacamole tableside. This is not the night for a light order.

Booking

Reservations by phone or OpenTable. Private dining for 15-60: call the events line.

👥

Private events are Fonda's specialty. Call 2-3 weeks out for groups of 12+. The Sunday brunch buffet is perfect for large brunches — no ordering needed.

👥4–60 people📋Lg. Group Reservations🎊Event Packages🫙Family Style

Parish BBQ

North Loop·$$·86 SearScore·Long communal tables seat 10-12; patio fits 20+

🍽️Big Table

Why it works for groups

BBQ is the original group food, and Parish is built for it. Order a full spread of brisket, ribs, and sausage by the pound — it's the most fun you can have feeding a crowd in Austin.

How to order

Get the full sampler: 1 lb brisket, full rack of ribs, 4 sausage links, a pound of pulled pork. Add sides family-style. Everyone digs in.

Booking

Limited reservations on Yelp. Large groups call directly. Weekdays are easiest.

👥

Call ahead for groups of 8+. The weekend wait can be long — weekday evenings are the group sweet spot. Order more than you think you need.

👥4–20 people🫙Family Style☀️Outdoor Space💚Budget Friendly+1 more

Red Ash Italia

Domain·$$$·85 SearScore·Private dining room seats up to 20; main room handles 8-10 easily

🎉Celebration

Why it works for groups

When the group needs to impress — client dinners, birthday blowouts, engagement celebrations — Red Ash delivers. The private dining room, wood-fired everything, and polished Italian service make every group feel like VIPs.

How to order

Start with the burrata and charcuterie for the table. Share the wood-fired pizza alongside pasta mains. The sommelier can arrange a wine selection for the whole table.

Booking

OpenTable for main dining. Private events: call or email the events team. Book 1-2 weeks out.

👥

Request the private dining room when booking for 10+. They offer set menus for events — ask about current options.

👥6–20 people🚪Private Room🎊Event Packages📋Lg. Group Reservations+2 more

East End Ballroom

East Austin·$$·84 SearScore·Bar and patio fit 50+; can reserve sections for large groups

🥂Group Drinks

Why it works for groups

East End Ballroom is the go-to East Austin group bar — big enough for a crowd, lively enough for a party, and with a full cocktail and beer program. The outdoor space turns any night into a proper group hang.

How to order

Pitcher cocktails if available, or go rounds. The bar staff handles large groups well. Keep it moving.

Booking

Walk-in or call ahead to reserve sections. No full event buyouts needed for 15 or fewer.

👥

Call ahead for groups of 10+ to claim a section of the outdoor patio. DJ nights turn into a full party.

👥6–50 people🍹Full Bar☀️Outdoor Space📢High Energy+2 more

Uptown

Rainey Street·$$·82 SearScore·Rooftop fits large groups; indoor areas have bottle service sections

🥂Group Drinks

Why it works for groups

Uptown is Rainey Street's go-to for groups that want a real night out. Rooftop views, bottle service, or just a big table outside — it scales to whatever the group needs.

How to order

Bottle service for groups of 8+ is the move — great value split ways. Otherwise, get everyone on the same cocktail and run tabs.

Booking

Contact directly for table/rooftop reservations. Bottle service packages available Friday/Saturday.

👥

Book the rooftop for weekend nights. Arrive before 10pm to claim space before the general crowd fills it.

👥5–30 people🍹Full Bar📢High Energy☀️Outdoor Space+1 more

All Day Pizza

East Austin·$·78 SearScore·Patio handles groups up to 15 easily; pizza is inherently group food

🪑Casual Hangout

Why it works for groups

All Day Pizza is the easygoing group option that works for literally any crowd — large birthday hangs, casual office lunches, or post-activity feeds. Order a few pizzas, done.

How to order

3-4 pies for a group of 8. Mix styles: at least one classic, one creative. Add the salads for people who insist on vegetables. Beers all around.

Booking

Walk-in for most groups. Call ahead for 10+ to ensure patio space.

👥

Show up early on weekend evenings — the patio fills fast with groups that had the same idea. Weekday afternoons are quiet and easy to claim a big table.

👥3–15 people💚Budget Friendly🤝Shareable Menu☀️Outdoor Space+1 more